Presidential Proclamation Affecting Chinese Nationals FAQ

What does “military-civil fusion strategy” mean?

Under the proclamation, "the term “military-civil fusion strategy” means actions by or at the behest of the PRC to acquire and divert foreign technologies, specifically critical and emerging technologies, to incorporate into and advance the PRC’s military capabilities."

Who are entities in the PRC that implement or support the PRC’s “military-civil fusion strategy”?

The U.S. government has not yet published a list of entities that support the PRC’s military-civil fusion strategy. We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates if/when a list becomes available.

What technologies are targeted under MCF?

Key technologies being targeted under MCF include quantum computing, big data, semiconductors, 5G, advanced nuclear technology, aerospace technology, and AI. According to the U.S. Department of State, the PRC specifically seeks to exploit the inherent ‘dual-use’ nature of many of these technologies, which have both military and civilian applications.

I am an undergraduate student enrolled at or accepted to join UC Berkeley. Does this Proclamation affect me?

Section 1 of the proclamation wholly exempts students pursuing undergraduate study, but information indicates that undergraduate students have been impacted.

If I am already in the U.S., how could this Proclamation affect me?

Presently, the Proclamation only focuses on individuals wishing to enter the U.S. However, the Proclamation has provisions that may make it applicable to nationals already in the U.S. on a F or J visa and who otherwise meet the criteria identified in the proclamation through a review and revocation of their visas by the Department of State.

What does revocation of a visa mean?

A visa is a travel document – it allows an individual to travel and apply to enter the United States, and is only for travel. If an individual’s visa is revoked, then he or she cannot travel to the United States. The authorization an individual receives when first entering the country is not affected by the visa revocation as long as the person maintains their status. In theory a visa revocation can be used as the basis to put someone in removal proceedings.

How do I know if I will be affected by this Proclamation?

The proclamation may affect any national of the PRC seeking to enter the United States pursuant to an F or J visa to study or conduct research in the United States who either:

  • Currently "receives funding from or who currently is employed by, studies at, or conducts research at or on behalf of... an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s 'military-civil fusion strategy'," or

  • In the past "has been employed by, studied at, or conducted research at or on behalf of... an entity in the PRC that implements or supports the PRC’s 'military-civil fusion strategy'"

This could include graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scholars, and any other students or researchers (other than undergraduates) who meet the criteria above.

The Secretary of State (Mike Pompeo) or his designee has the authority to make the determination of who is impacted, in his sole discretion.  In reality, this means that consular officers at U.S. consular posts worldwide will be charged with this determination.